Which specialist performs induction of labour?

Induction starts labour with medicines or procedures when continuing the pregnancy may not be advised or when labour has not begun as expected. The obstetrics specialist assesses your pregnancy, cervix, baby's position and monitoring results before choosing an approach. A midwife may provide cervical preparation, observe contractions and monitor you and your baby. The plan can change if your response, examination or fetal monitoring changes.

Discuss the reason for induction, the proposed method, pain-relief choices and what happens if labour does not progress. Tell the maternity team about allergies, medicines, previous caesarean birth and any concerns about movement or feeding after birth. Bring your maternity notes and follow the hospital's instructions about when to arrive and what to eat or drink.

Call your maternity unit urgently if you have reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, a gush of fluid or regular painful contractions before your planned induction. During induction, report severe pain, dizziness, breathlessness or feeling unwell immediately so the team can assess you and your baby.

Ask which obstetrics specialist is responsible, why induction is recommended, how your cervix will be prepared, how monitoring works, what pain relief is available and when a caesarean birth might be considered.